Two Amur tiger cubs were born at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on June 28 and 29. The first arrived at 10:41 p.m. and the second about four hours later. The newborn cubs, weighing just two to three pounds at birth, were initially monitored by the animal care team using a remote feed from a camera mounted in the den.

The team was already concerned about the health of the first cub which, despite nursing successfully shortly after the birth of the second cub, had not nursed for an extended period and appeared to be weakening when the Zoo lost power on the evening of June 29 due to a powerful storm. Since they were unable to monitor the activity in the den, the team made the decision to remove both cubs for hand rearing. The cubs are being raised together for companionship and socialization.

The cubs are currently in intensive care in the Zoo’s Animal Health Center; their condition is not yet stable. It is unknown when Zoo visitors will be able to see them.

These cubs are the first for five-year-old female, Mara, and nine-year-old male, Foli. They are the first Amur tigers ever born at the Columbus Zoo; the last birth of any tiger subspecies at the Columbus Zoo occurred in 1990.

The pairing of Mara and Foli was recommended by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP) for tigers. The AZA, of which the Columbus Zoo is an accredited member, strives to maintain a sustainable population of tigers in North America.

The tiger is the largest of all cat species. Native to Asia there are six living and three extinct subspecies of tiger. Currently there are fewer than 150 Amur tigers in 50 AZA institutions in North America. These tigers are considered pedigreed since they have a known ancestry and breeding recommendations to maintain genetic diversity are managed by a studbook.

Amur tigers (Panthera tigris altaica), also historically referred to as Siberian tigers, are critically endangered; fewer than 500 individuals are believed to exist in the forests of the Russian Far East. Their populations are dwindling due to overhunting of prey species such as deer and wild boar, habitat loss, and poaching for skins and body parts used in traditional Chinese medicine. Humans directly cause 75 to 85 percent of tiger deaths.

The Columbus Zoo is a long-term supporter of the Siberian Tiger Project which was established in 1992 by the Wildlife Conservation Society. The Zoo’s funding contributes to improving human-tiger conflict mitigation, increasing capacity for young Russian scientists, and biological monitoring of tigers through camera trapping, track surveys and radio collaring.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium contributes $1 million annually to more than 70 conservation projects in 30 countries. Monies are raised from private contributions and fundraising activities including Wine for Wildlife held each fall at the Zoo. This year’s Wine for Wildlife event is already sold-out and proceeds will be dedicated to the Siberian Tiger Project.

The University of Findlay recently installed solar panels and a wind turbine to provide power to two student houses on West Foulke Avenue.

Last fall, the University received grants from both the BP Foundation and Dominion Resources to help retrofit two University-owned houses with renewable energy and monitoring equipment.

In June, solar power was grid tied to 138 W. Foulke Ave., and wind power was grid tied to 146 W. Foulke Ave. A grid tie, by definition, is an electrical system that is connected to a utility distribution grid. In this case, solar power and wind power are connected to a local electrical grid. Power will be generated for each house, and excess power will be returned to the grid.

The new power systems were installed in an open lot east of 138 W. Foulke Ave.

Students, with guidance from Tim Murphy, Ph.D., associate professor of environmental, safety and health management, assisted with preparing the site and installing the solar panels and wind turbine. They also installed a fence around the site.

Dan Klear of Superior Energy Solutions LLC, a company based in Ottawa, was on site to oversee the installation of the wind turbine, which stands approximately 45 feet tall. Each of its three fiberglass composite blades spans six feet.

ASHLAND PLANS ART CLASS – Ashland University’s Coburn Gallery will be offering an art class titled “Pre-K Picasso’s,” an educational and creative experience for children 3 to 5 years old who are accompanied by a parent.

“Pre-K Picasso’s” will be offered on Tuesday, July 10, from 2 to 3 p.m. in Room 346 located in the Center for the Arts on the Ashland University campus. Registration is required.

The July 10 session of “Pre-K Picasso’s” will feature painting and collage techniques to explore with young artists. The cost is $10 per child and enrollment is limited. For more information or to register your child for classes, call 419-289-5652.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Thursday’s View From The Pugh column features upcoming local events. E-mailviewfromthepugh@yahoo.com to submit an item for consideration for a future column).

The Sunrise is proud to announce the release of their second album, We Have Not Heard, featuring guest appearances from legendary guitarist Phil Keaggy and Crosby Stills Nash & Young drummer Joe Vitale. Self-proclaimed “Jesus People,” James and Rebecca Mileti may singlehandedly be reviving the Jesus Music genre with their latest release from indie label The Winchester Records.

The Sunrise has a sound that has been compared to ‘a Christian Wilco’ and the White Stripes by Jesusfreakhideout.com, while Goldmine Magazine compared their songwriting to ’70’s acts like Paul McCartney, Seals & Crofts, Don McLean and Todd Rundgren. But what sets The Sunrise apart is the vertical lyrics that leave no room for confusion when it comes to the band’s focus, mission and purpose.

“I remember the way albums by Keith Green, Love Song and 2nd Chapter of Acts made me feel,” notes James. “I want to recreate that feeling of worship and conviction in a musical form that serious music fans will enjoy. We’ve put together top notch musicians, interesting arrangements and thought provoking lyrics, like Christian musicians used to regularly do, to spur the listener into action for Jesus!”

The Mileti’s enlisted virtuoso guitarist Phil Keaggy for three tracks on We Have Not Heard (“Judgement Day,” “Like The Sunrise” and the title track), while Crosby Stills Nash & Young drummer Joe Vitale pops up on the album’s title track as well.

WILD FOR YANCY –Yancy’s popular Little Praise Party CD/DVD Series for preschool age kids is being featured this summer on endcap displays in all of the nearly 300 Family Christian Stores locations nationwide.

Little Praise Party: Happy Day Everyday and Little Praise Party: My Best Friend provide sing-along fun and worship for the youngest generation that the whole family can enjoy. A companion DVD of animated videos for each song is also available.

For more than a decade, Yancy has released radio friendly pop/rock albums and multiple projects for kids and young adults, all while sharing the stage with such artists as Mute Math, Newsboys, 4Him and Nichole Nordeman. As a writer, Yancy has teamed up with Third Day’s Mac Powell, wrote Avalon’s #1 hit “I Don’t Want To Go” and Jaci Velasquez’s “Something Beautiful,” and still found the time to compose two devotional books for worship leaders and musicians and a devotional book for pre-teens. In 2011, Yancy teamed up with Standard Publishing for an exclusive partnership to write and produce content for Standard Publishing’s 2012 Vacation Bible School. She’s also the receipient of About.com’s 2012 Readers’ Choice Award for Best Christian Indie Solo Artist.

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR NAMED – The 9th Annual CCM Network International Songwriting Contest has announced its Songwriter of the Year, Keith Elgin. The singer/songwriter, whose winning song is “Made For More” from his self-titled EP, will receive prizes including studio time with one of the industry’s top record producers.

CCM Networking International was founded in 2004 to offer resources to the current and next generation of Christian music artists, songwriters and worship leaders. Its annual songwriting competition is the organization’s premier event of the year.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Tuesday’s View From The Pugh column features national pop culture notes with a focus on faith items. E-mailviewfromthepugh@yahoo.com to submit an item for consideration for a future column).

Ohio Lieutenant Governor and Department of Insurance Director Mary Taylor is advising Ohioans impacted by recent severe weather on how they should attend to damaged property and offered tips on the insurance claim filing process. Taylor also cautioned residents to beware of fraudulent contractors trying to take advantage of people in need of property repairs.

“We want to provide information to help those impacted understand the insurance claim filing process so they can get their lives back in order,” Taylor said. “Most homeowners and business insurance policies provide coverage for repairing damage caused by a windstorm, hail and tornado after the applicable deductibles are met and up to certain dollar amounts. Your agent or insurance company can help you understand the particulars of your policy while Department staff are available to help consumers experiencing problems with their claims.”

She added that protection for vehicles against damage caused by windstorm, hail and tornado is provided through an auto policy’s “other than collision” or “comprehensive” coverage. The Department has created a Severe Storm Recovery Toolkit under the Featured Links section on its website, http://www.insurance.ohio.gov. It includes claims filing tips, FAQs about windstorms and insurance, and tips on how to avoid a deceitful contractor.

Taylor said that if you have suffered damage from a storm, you should:
• Call your insurance agent or company as soon as you can.
• Be sure your agent knows how to contact you, especially if you have to move out of your home.
• Take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage if permitted by public safety authorities and if you will not endanger yourself.
• Closely inspect property and cars for damage. Note and photograph any damage.
• If required to seek temporary housing, check your policy for “loss of use” coverage.
• Be sure everything is considered in your claim.
• Back up claims with written estimates.
Taylor offers these tips to avoid becoming a victim of contractor fraud:
• Obtain a list of reputable contractors from your insurance carrier, the Better Business Bureau or a specialized consumer organization.
• Contact multiple contractors and obtain more than one estimate.
• Do not allow a contractor to inspect your property when you are not home.
• If you give a contractor permission to inspect your property, personally watch them conduct the inspection.
• Obtain, in writing, the terms and conditions of the project.
• Avoid signing a contract until the document is reviewed fully and/or discuss the terms of the contract with a legal representative or a trusted adviser.
• Pay the contractor by check or credit card, rather than in cash, and do not pay in full until all work has been finished.

About Patch:
We’re Patch.com, a digital platform that’s radically reinventing journalism and community engagement. We launched with just 3 sites in February 2009 and now operate hundreds of sites in communities across the country – and we are continuing to expand! Patch is founded on two core principles: that there’s a big need for news and information in small towns, and that we can create a successful, sustainable business model around that need. Even as many newsrooms have been downsized or shut down over the past few years, Patch is investing millions to strengthen our platform and to provide meaningful daily news, ways for users to interact with the site and with each other, and support for our communities’ local businesses and economy. A lot of people are paying attention; our stories have been picked up by virtually every major news organization, including CNN, Fox News, AP and Reuters, USA Today, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and then some.

And did we mention fun?
Patchers know how to have a good time, from our monthly Fun Club activities to the Give 5 program that offers our employees paid time off to do volunteer work in Patch towns. Patch is all about serving communities, and this is one of the most important ways we accomplish that.

About Sales
Patch is committed to helping local businesses survive and thrive.

Our team does more than simply sell a suite of products and generate revenue for Patch. We are active members of our communities, ambassadors of the Patch brand, tireless multi-taskers, go-getters and problem-solvers. We work with our partners to provide affordable local online advertising opportunities that work.

Our executives seek out and thrive in a fast-paced and constantly changing environments. They are goal-oriented achievers who exceed their individual targets while being a true team player.

Role: Regional Advertising Manager
As a Regional Advertising Manager, you will be responsible for building and maintaining relationships with regional advertising agencies and large regional clients that require more customized and targeted solutions for local advertising. This is an outside sales position and you will be driving revenue for multi-state regions. You’ll work closely with the regional outside sales team, Patch’s revenue, marketing team and liaise with AOL’s national sales group.

Responsibilities:

* Identify and implement new strategies for revenue development with major regional agencies and clients in your territory

* Plan and manage to a regional revenue budget, reporting regularly to Patch Headquarters in NYC

* Own regional accounts, present Patch and close advertising relationship

* Work collaboratively with Regional Advertising Directors and other departments to drive national advertising strategy
Requirements:

* A Bachelors’ degree in marketing, business or related discipline. An advanced degree (MBA or equivalent) is a plus

* 5+ years of digital advertising experience working with regional clients and/or agencies

* Must have a solid understanding of online ad sales, products, site monetization strategies and local advertising trends

* Passion for a start-up, entrepreneurial environment

* Must have strong knowledge around analytics and the importance of numbers

* Ability to publicly represent Patch as the future of the local digital space

* Self-motivated business leader who can motivate and inspire, passionate about the potential of Patch and gets an adrenaline rush from starting up a business

Heavy rain and gusty winds from June 29th storms serve as reminder that many of these losses are covered by insurance. Common losses that are typically covered by insurance include damage caused by downed-trees and damage to roofs, walls and ceilings caused by wind and downpours. Some losses are covered under a homeowners policy and others may be covered by policy endorsements.

The Ohio Insurance Institute (OII) advises checking with your insurance agent or company regarding coverage questions and limitations, especially those related to water. Some weather-related damages are covered under a standard homeowners, renters or auto insurance policy; some are covered to a specific limit; while other coverages may be excluded but can be added through a policy endorsement or a separate flood insurance policy.

OII provides the following insurance coverage information.

WATER COVERAGE – HOME
Water backup

Coverage for sewer drain backup is available through many insurance companies as a homeowners or renters policy endorsement. Coverage limits and costs vary by carrier so it’s important to understand what is – and isn’t – covered under this endorsement.

Based on a recent OII survey, most insurers offer a water backup endorsement. Coverage limits range from $1,000–$100,000 with costs varying from $30–$485 annually depending on the type of coverage and limits selected. Some insurers offer options for this coverage with a basic endorsement covering major appliances (furnace, water heater/softener, washer/dryer, sump pump) while a broader endorsement extends coverage to finished basements including carpeting, furniture and electronics.

Wall and ceiling water leaks

If roofs and gutters have been damaged by a covered loss (i.e. wind, tornado, hail) interior wall and ceiling leaks from seeping rain are covered by homeowners insurance. Deductibles apply.

Flood insurance

Damage caused by flooding is excluded from homeowners and renters insurance policies. This protection is available through the purchase of a flood insurance policy. Check with your insurance agent or company for specifics or visit http://www.floodsmart.gov to assess your flood risk, estimate the cost for a flood insurance policy and locate a flood insurance agent in your area. There’s a 30-day waiting period before new or modified flood insurance policies go into effect. Click here for additional info on flood insurance.

WIND (TORNADO) COVERAGE – HOME

Damage caused by high winds, tornadoes and hail are covered by homeowners, renters and commercial insurance policies. Homes or belongings damaged as a result of a fallen tree due to wind or lightning strikes – whether it’s your tree or a neighbor’s tree – are covered by your homeowners insurance policy. Tree removal costs are also covered when being removed from the damaged structure. Deductibles apply.

Debris removal

Typically the cost associated with removing a fallen tree (or trees) is covered up to $1,000 ($500/tree) under the following circumstances:
• The tree was uprooted due to windstorm, hail, or the peril of weight of ice, snow or sleet, or a neighbor’s tree was downed under the same circumstances and
• The tree damaged a covered structure such as the roof, garage or shed, or
• The fallen tree has not damaged covered property but blocks the insured’s driveway or handicap access ways.

Reasonable repairs

Costs incurred from taking measures to protect against further damage (such as placing plastic over a damaged roof, covering windows to prevent further rain damage, etc.) are likely reimbursable under your homeowners policy. Save these receipts.
Damage to trees

Residential trees, shrubs, plants or lawns are not covered when damaged by wind or hail. Limited coverage is provided if damages are caused by fire, lightning, explosion, riot or civil commotion, aircraft, nonowned vehicles, vandalism, malicious mischief or theft. The limit is typically 5% of the dwelling amount, but no more than $500 for any one tree, shrub or plant.

VEHICLE COVERAGE

If severe weather threatens, move your car under cover to prevent damage from high winds, flying debris and hail. Vehicles pot-marked by hail or damaged by flooding are covered under the “other-than-collision” (comprehensive) portion of an auto insurance policy. This is optional coverage that protects insured vehicles in situations other than a collision or overturn. Deductibles apply.

TIPS

Consumer insurance tips

• Closely inspect property and cars for damage.
• Photograph any damage and inventory losses, especially if heavy, widespread damage has occurred.
• Secure property from further damage or theft (save receipts and provide to your insurer).
• Contact your insurance agent regarding coverage clarification and damage assessment regarding a potential claim.
• Consider obtaining a written repair estimate prior to filing a claim as repair costs may not exceed your deductible. If the loss amount is close to your deductible, you might consider absorbing the loss on your own.
• If required to seek temporary housing due to a covered loss, check your policy for “additional living expense” or “loss of use” coverage. Many policies cover additional expenses (like motel & dining) up to a stated amount.
• Create a home inventory and keep it up-to-date. A free downloadable program is at http://www.knowyourstuff.org.
• Schedule an ‘annual insurance checkup’ with your insurance professional. Review all your insurance needs (such as a new teen driver in the household or new home improvements/remodeling, etc.). Be sure to ask what’s not covered by the policy to avoid confusion should a loss arise in the future.
Preventing Water Damage

• Never store perishables or valuables in basements that you can’t afford to lose or replace (i.e. photos, clothing, electronics, collectibles, etc.).
• Do not store items near basement drains.
• Check storm drain lines to make sure they’re clear of debris, like roots and dirt.
• Make sure your sump pump and/or dehumidifier are in working order.
• Use shelving to store items several inches above the potential water level.
• Make sure your home’s downspouts are extended far enough away from the foundation to prevent water from entering your basement through the walls.
• Grade the property around your home to drain water away from the house.
• If you have water seepage following storms, take corrective measures to alleviate future problems. For instance, install a sump pump or have a waterproofing expert take a look at your situation to see what can be done to eliminate the potential of major water damage losses.

Hiring a Home Contractor

• Beware of rip offs. Carefully check the background of contractors and others who promise “cheap” repairs. OII suggests checking with family and friends for referrals and contact your local home builders association or the Better Business Bureau.
• Obtain several estimates and request customer references. Be sure estimates include all contractor info, including the contractor’s name, address and phone number. Click here to view OII’s home repair tip sheet.

Food Spoilage

Homeowners insurance policies differ, but food spoilage is normally excluded if the cause of loss is an off-premises power outage (downed power lines, etc.). Some insurers offer a “refrigerated property coverage” endorsement that provides coverage – typically up to $500 – for frozen/refrigerated items due to loss of power. Contact your insurance professional to see if coverage applies. The Ohio State University offers suggestions for proper food handling in the event of power outages.

The OII is a trade association representing insurance companies and agent groups for the property/casualty insurance industry. Its primary objective is to help Ohioans achieve a better understanding of insurance and safety issues.

With 4th of July holiday festivities in full swing, the Ohio Insurance Institute (OII) and Ohio Fire Marshal’s office provide a list of resources on Ohio fireworks laws, safety guides and US fireworks-related statistics.

Additionally, the combination of near-drought conditions, high temps and the possibility of wind gusts create a greater risk of fires sparked by the use of fireworks, legal or illegal. Both groups emphasize safe use of legal fireworks this holiday week.

Here’s what’s legal and not legal to purchase and/or use in the Buckeye state, where to legally purchase them and penalties for breaking Ohio fireworks use laws.

OHIO INFO (Source: State Fire Marshal, Ohio Department of Commerce)

1) What’s legal to use?

The only fireworks that are legal for consumer use in Ohio are “trick and novelty” items such as sparklers, snaps, glow snakes and smoke bombs.

Anyone 18 or older can buy firecrackers, bottle rockets, roman candles and fountains within the state from a licensed retailer. You can purchase them but can’t “technically” use them in Ohio. At the point of purchase, the buyer must sign a form that says the fireworks will be transported out of Ohio within 48 hours. If you are an out-of-state resident, you transport them within 72 hours.

3) Where to purchase fireworks legally in Ohio

The Ohio Fire Marshal’s office regulates the licensing of fireworks wholesalers and manufacturers.

Summary: In 2010 (latest year of the report), 8,600 fireworks-related injuries were treated in US hospital emergency rooms. Report finds that there are more fires on a typical Fourth of July than any other day of the year. Fireworks account for two out of five of those fires, more than any other cause of fires.

With heat and humidity on the rise, the Ohio Department of Health and Ohio Emergency Management Agency urge residents to use extra care to avoid heat-related illness over the next several days.

Even short periods of high temperatures can cause serious health problems. During hot weather health emergencies, keep informed by listening to local weather and news channels or contact local health departments for health and safety updates. Doing too much on a hot day, spending too much time in the sun or staying too long in an overheated place can cause heat-related illnesses

“When temperatures are extremely hot and there is high humidity, the body has to work extra hard to try to maintain a normal temperature,” said ODH Director Ted Wymyslo, M.D. “We start to see heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion when the body is overwhelmed. It’s important to pay attention to warning, in 2010 there were nine related deaths in Ohio.

According to FEMA, most heat disorders occur because a person has been over-exposed to heat or has over-exercised for his/her age and physical condition. People most at risk for heat injuries are infants and young children; people age 65 and older; overweight people; people who over-exert during work or exercise; and people who are ill or on certain medications.

“Summer is the ideal season for increased outdoor activity and fun in the sun,” said Nancy Dragani, Ohio EMA executive director. “But summer is also the time where people have increased injuries and accidents. If you have neighbors who are elderly or have special medical needs, check on them to ensure they’re cool enough and have enough water to drink.”

To help avoid heat injuries and illness, people should plan outdoor activities for either early morning or late evening, when the sun is less direct. Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to protect against sunburn. Move to the shade or into an air conditioned building at the first signs of becoming overheated. Heat-related symptoms can come on quickly.

– Drinking water is best. Do not take salt tablets without a physician’s advice. Avoid beverages that contain alcohol or caffeine, because they can add to dehydration and increase the effects of heat illnesses.

– Monitor or Limit Outdoor Activities Young children may become preoccupied with outdoor play and not realize they are overheated.

– Adults should mandate frequent breaks and bring children indoors to cool down and have cool drinks. Children or adolescents involved in team sports should be closely monitored for signs of heat stress. Consideration should be given to modifying practice or games during the hottest parts of the day.

– Know How to Treat Heat Exhaustion Symptoms of heat exhaustion include: heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or fainting. People experiencing these symptoms should be moved to a shady or air-conditioned area. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet clothes or towels. Have person sip on a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. If the person refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness, call 911 or the local emergency number.

– Know How to Treat Heat Stroke Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation. Call 911 immediately. Symptoms include: a body temperature of 103 degrees or higher, red, hot and dry skin with no sweating, rapid pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, unconsciousness, and gray skin color. Before medical help arrives, begin cooling the person by any means possible, such as spraying person with water from a garden hose or by placing the person in a cool tub of water.

– NEVER Leave Children or Pets in Vehicles Even in cool temperatures, cars can heat up to dangerous temperatures quickly. Even if the windows are cracked open, interior temperatures can rise almost 20 degrees within the first 10 minutes. Children or animals left inside a vehicle is at risk for serious heat-related illnesses or even death. When traveling with children (even routine drives), remember to do the following:
o To remind yourself that a child is in the car, place bags, phones or other items you will take with you in the back seat. This will force you to turn around before exiting the car.
o When leaving your vehicle, check the front and back seats to make sure no sleeping children (or pets) are left in the car.

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Please note: Information for the calendar of events is gathered from multiple community sources. View From The Pugh is not responsible for the accuracy and content of information. Times, dates and locations are subject to change.